| Title | : | Promises to Keep |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 294 |
| Publication | : | First published October 4, 2014 |
When he’s unable to save the life of his wounded medic, the soldier's dying request is for Jack to personally deliver his wedding ring to Laura, his newlywed bride.
He vows to do so the moment he returns home.
Jack’s been through Hell on earth, while Laura’s a feisty, stubborn survivor of her own personal Hell. She's got a mind of her own, and she’s no victim—but what is she so afraid of?
Despite their growing attraction, there’s just one thing the young widow doesn’t know about her husband’s death:
Jack Curren is the one who got him killed.
Promises to Keep Reviews
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Very good book. I would have like to see more into the future in the epilogue, but other than that great read!
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I usually steer clear of military-hero-themed romances because so many seem to be unrealistic tales, centered on some Rambo wannabe that ends up so emotionally scarred that they could never function in everyday life again. This IS NOT one of those stories! This book provides a glimpse into the reality of the experience of the troops, but the love story is the focal point.
Laura and Jack's story is beautiful and inspiring. The unlikely pair fall in love after corresponding for months, following the death of Laura's husband, Bob. When Jack returns stateside, he goes to see Laura to fulfill a promise made to Bob. However, he knows that he has also fallen for Laura and is fighting his own conflicted feelings.
Laura's life is a mess. With a crazy meth-head ex-boyfriend stalking and harassing her, she brings a lot of drama. She is a fighter and a survivor. It seems like the odds have been against her all of her life, but she continues to push forward and refuses to give up.
This story was heart-warming and refreshing. If you're in need of a good story to pass time and provide a little inspiration, I would definitely recommend this book! -
⋯4 emotionally charged stars ⋯
This was by far one of the most emotional military romance books I have read. The author's go into such detail about Jack's time in the war and Laura's sad past, that you truly feel like you know these characters before they finally meet. You are literally routing for them to be together the second they start corresponding to each other following Laura's husbands death in Iraq. Those scenes were my favorite parts in the book. The letters were so raw and real that it was as if they've known each other forever. The letters are what keeps Jack going during his difficult time spent in Iraq, and the letters also help Laura mend her broken heart. They fall in love this way and it's that fact that makes this book stand out from other military romances. There's no insta-love/insta-lust- these two get to know each other the old fashioned way and I do feel that it created a must stronger bond between the two then just some random meeting on the street.
"Over the months that they'd been corresponding, her letters became such a positive force for him. He always had something to look forward to- another letter."
What I loved the most about this book? The characters weren't perfect and they were both dealing with thier own shit. Jack is still reeling from the war and his guilt over Laura's husbands death. Laura is still trying to move on from her loveless childhood and past mistakes. These mistakes do end up catching up with her and thus brings a bit of suspense into the novel as well!
If you are looking for a military romance that is emotional and beautiful at the same time, then this book is for you!
**Thank you
Nikki Sex for generously sending me this book! I LOVED it!** -
First I would like to say how much this story touched me ....Nikki & Zachary came together with the perfect mix of their talents and experience to give us this incredible story of a promise made and all that happens before, during and after that promise is kept.
The cast of characters are true to life and exstremely well developed. I could honestly see them and feel what they felt. From the very first chapters, my emotions became invested and I was hooked! I ran the entire gambit of laughing, being afraid, getting angry, heartsick and even teared up several times. And I loved it that our very own Andr'e Chevalier was given an honorable mention. ( you rock Nikki)...Also, it is a fact that PTSD can happen to anyone who has any kind of a tragic life event, soilders or civilian. (thanks Zachary)
Dr. Jack Curren, USMC , serving in Fallujah, Iraq and Laura Wynn, widow of Robert Wynn, USMC Corpsmen, living in North Carolina have lived through their own seperate brand of hell and survived. What Laura doesn't know is that hell isn't quite finished with her yet. It comes at her in the form of one Jonah Lacks, ex-boyfriend and OxyContin pill head.
This is a story of these two people drawn together through letters, the comfort & strength they draw from each others words in their little corners of hell to be able to go on, so when they finally meet 6 months later it seems like a natural, easy thing to continue where they left off with the friendship which soon blooms into a sweet romance and then love. But Jack soon realizes all is not well in Laura's life despite the up beat and pleasant front she puts up. And Jack, well, he has his own secret and wonders now if he's waited too long to tell Laura the truth of Bob's death leading up to the "promise." Can this relationship continue in the light of truth? ..And Oh Yeah! Don't forget about the ex-boyfriend, Josh the pill head who has become exstremely unstable in his addiction and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. One person has already paid the ultimate price for getting in his way. Will Zack be next?
I was reading into the wee hours with this one. I just had to finish, had to know what happened......And by God, it was worth it!
I absolutely recommend this book to both men and women as a must read! -
Woop woop. A new Nikki Sex book! Yippee!
UPDATE:
Where to start?
I've read all of Nikki Sex books and never thought she'd co-write with someone else. I was definitely surprised that she teamed up with another author.
Let me begin with the story.
I LOVED IT.
Not often do you see a strong sassy female, and that was so refreshing for me. Laura (the h) had some crappy lemons thrown at her, though she kept picking herself up and barrelling through. She's strong willed, quite quick to respond and didn't take anything lying down. What a fantastic personality.
Jack's swoon worthy, a beautiful man who fell hard and fast.
The story starts off over in Iraq - a military story that you can tell that one of the authors has either A - done in depth research or B- been part of the military and experienced most of these things first hand.
The story moves from Iraq back to USA, and the relationship between H and h flows nicely and easily.
There's angst, there's blood and of course (it is part written by Nikki Sex) sex!
I very much enjoyed this book, and the collaboration between the two authors has been successful.
Nikki: Awesome work.
Zachary: Well done.
I most certainly recommend this book if you enjoy a beautiful romance with spice and story -
There were things I absolutely loved about this book, things I just couldn't follow, and things I disliked.
To get the negative over with, I disliked how much the book preached at me. Not to me, but at me. It was repetitious and overdone. Please authors, give your readers some credit, and don't constantly moralize to us.
What I loved: the scenes from Jack's pov. Reading about the times in Iraq were captivating and well paced; it totally sucked me in and I connected really well with the character.
While I really liked Laura, she also gave me the greatest confusion and "meh" moments. Her past was full of struggle and ugliness, showing great characterization. But - Laura from the beginning of the book, with her fears, frustrations and struggles, completely clashed with the Laura from the middle of the book, when she was with Jack.
Middle of the book Laura, when she first went out with Jack, was suddenly upbeat, positive, and happy. Like way too happy. So happy, there's no way it could be real. Laughing and giggling over what had given her conflict in the beginning. I just didn't get it; and still don't.
I did like Laura's show of strength for the resolution to the conflict in the book; I appreciate a kick ass female who shows strength.
While I enjoyed parts of this book very much, and I appreciate the author's work, I will not be saving this one for a future re-read. -
This story, Laura and Jack's story, is truly beautiful..so utterly perfect and so full of emotions.
I was hooked right from the start, with Jack working in Iraq and the hell he was living through.
I think I fell for him the moment I read his letter through Laura's eyes.
Laura..I wasn't a great fan until she met Jack..I don't know why but I know that everything changed when she started talking about her past..so strong and so brave, always with a smile on her face. I thought it was bad enough, she went through so much, but I didn't count on her ex, Jonah, coming back for her.
After that moment everything happened so fast..I was cheering for Laura and Jack, even though I was dreading the secrets they were keeping from each other..and at the same time I wanted Jonah to reappear and suffer as he deserved.
I''m telling you..read this book!!!! It's so worth it! It shows you how a person can have a second chance and be happy, it shows you that no matter what there are still good people out there, that you can fight with a smile on your face and find out why every tear was worth it in the end. -
This was a wonderful book with an emotional honesty that rocked me to my core.
This is the first time that I'd read anything by Zachary Kitchen. After reading it, I need to read more from him. I've loved everything I've read by Nikki Sex and although this book is a departure for her, the emotional depth and honesty that shines through in all of her books is present in this one, as well.
The main characters were three dimensional and extremely easy to love as well as to relate to although they're so different from each other and myself. Their lives were both extremely difficult yet they were able to maintain their innate goodness and the essence of who they were as people.
The story was emotional and intense. The love story was sweet and really grabbed me. The part of this book that took place in Iraq was difficult to read but I learned so much. It was enlightening. Apparently, Hell truly does exist on Earth.
I loved how the characters each lived their own separate versions of Hell, yet they become such positive forces in each other's worlds. They serve a beautiful purpose and help them get through each day in their own part of the globe. I was rooting for them the entire book.
I highly recommend this book. -
I absolutely Loved this book! From the war front in Iraq to the Epilogue, I was just captivated. The writing was so spot on perfect, I felt like I was right there with Jack and Bob. I cried and was so angry at the loss of life and the way the military handles it all. And then the letters to Laura -"sigh" - more tears! The friendship that evolves, really sets the story up for Jack's return and their actually meeting. The romance that follows, with just the right amount of "Sexy Heat" made me "Fall In Love" too. And OMG the suspense surrounding the psycho ex - added a whole additional layer! And a Perfect ending!
I am a huge Nikki Sex fan and love her books! Zachary J. Kitchen is a new author for me, but can certainly see where his own military and medical background were perfect for setting the premise of the story and keeping it real. The collaboration of the two - Priceless! Hope we will see more stories from them. -
I loved this story. I always love Nikki's books but have never read anything by Zachary, so I will add him to my reads listing.
This story was so amazing. Being in the military and deployed I know how heartbreaking this is. Still working with the military, you just pray everyone comes home.
This story touches so much more, and it was overwhelming. I loved it. I just felt like I was right there with them, but what I think I enjoyed most was even though it is time of the internet, they still wrote real letters. -
Wow just saw this on FB post and knew I had to have it especially after I read the synopsis.
I love Nikki Sex and this is different for her BDSM books. I did like the reference to "The Language of Love" by Andre Chevalier...so clever.
Jack is a doctor on the front lines of Fallujah Iraq and begins letter writing with Laura on good old fashioned paper with a pen. I love that they truly get to know each other writing back and forth never having seen each other. Truly falling in love.
Great story with suspense, romance, passion and strength- LOVED IT -
Wowzas!!! Truly an amazing book! I've read everything by Nikki Sex and she keeps me glued to the pages time after time! This is no different. Getting this insight and knowledge into something of this nature was so unlike any other things I've read before yet it left me feeling like I understood it at the same time.
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More please!
This book was very addicting, especially after Laura and Jack "meet" for the first time through the letters. As the story progressed, the more I was sucked in. They had such a natural and beautiful chemistry going, very easy flowing. I hope to see a novella to see more of the story! -
Readers you are in for a treat with this little gem!
Nikki has partnered with Zack to create the most wonderful romance.
Both Jack and Laura are very accessible, lovable characters, they both have a practical common sense aspect to their outlook on life and love. This book isn't all hopeless romance and rainbows LOL and that's refreshing.
The military detail is awesome, so interesting and doesn't glamorize war. I also like that it's not too 'military' as in, the Marine doesn't just waltz in and save the day and sweep the girl off her feet.
The romance / sex is sweet and honest but I like that they're both mature enough to say what they want from each other. The sex isn't too graphic, this isn't erotica but there's plenty of emotion there to keep you in the moment right there with the characters.
I like too that they have a way to go in their relationship, that everything hasn't been tied neatly in a bow. Life isn't like that, happy ever afters don't have to be like that either.
Awesome job Nikki & Zack! -
Really liked this book. Story started out in Iraq where Navy doctor Jack is trying to save the lives of young men blown up by IED's. One of those young men is a medic that the doctor personally sent out on a very dangerous mission to toughen him up. He's severely burned, but before he dies he makes the doctor promise to find his wife stateside and give her his wedding ring and tell her he loves her.
Before the doctor returns from Iraq, however, he begins a correspondence with the wife. At first just offering his condolences, but their letters turn into very bright moments for both of them in their otherwise dark lives. The doctor does eventually return to the U.S., looks up the wife and sparks fly.
There was never a dull moment in this book (including some peril the wife was in from a former boyfriend). Both the doctor and the wife were strong characters that brought the best out in each other. -
Lovely read, Laura and Jacks story was beautifully told, alternate Pov's made it a really refreshing read, from the beginning with Jack being away as a medic in Afghanistan and Laura back home struggling I really felt for them both, the book is very descriptive and essentially takes you there, you can imagine what Jack is going through, the pain he sees the death and distraction a war can bring, but through this he has light in the form of the letters he receives from Laura, they were beautiful and sweet and above all honest. They finally meet but you know it's not that simple, there's a bit of drama on the way, a wee bit of soul searching but thankfully the angst isn't piled on, just two people who finally have a chance at something wonderful together. The ending was sweet but I would have liked an epilogue..., I feel lost without one.
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Not for me.
Repetitive. Slow Paced.
Prch Amz September 7, 2016
#2 of
The Romance Collection 3bks -
This book is a great story of love lost and new love found. Heart warming mind churning action adventure romance.
I really liked this book it's not a quick run of the mill Military romance like so many others. It's got depth and feeling to back it up.
Well worth the money and time reading it.
Promises to Keep
As the only ER doctor this side of Fallujah, Iraq, Jack Curren is a very busy man.
When he’s unable to save the life of his wounded medic, the soldier's dying request is for Jack to personally deliver his wedding ring to Laura, his newlywed bride.
He vows to do so the moment he returns home.
Jack’s been through Hell on earth, while Laura’s a feisty, stubborn survivor of her own personal Hell. She's got a mind of her own, and she’s no victim—but what is she so afraid of?
Despite their growing attraction, there’s just one thing the young widow doesn’t know about her husband’s death:
Jack Curren is the one who got him killed. -
Slim likelihood to reality
In real life, this is pretty far fetched. A woman brought up by a druggie mother who tried to sell her daughter's virginity for her next fix is the least likely person to have such a positive outlook on life. She becomes pregnant at 28 by a love struck soldier who loses his life which results in a miscarriage. She becomes pen pal with his commanding officer who seeks her out to return her husband's wedding ring. They fall in love and sex in two days. Really? The sex scenes were realistic and well written, a redemption for the book. Of course there is a happy ending after a near death experience. Have to love a happy ending. -
One of the BEST books I have read in a long time! WOW! I LOVED this book! I can't say enough about it! The characters were complicated and developed well! They were real people living in a real world! You felt their pain, love, and determination! You could really love both of them flaws and all! You could believe the whole story! It is a must read!
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First, I loved the story. Second, there was so much repetition and moralizing that I got tired of reading the same things over and over. The characters were fairly well written. I think the story could have gone further with fewer words - but am not sorry I read it!
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The main thing I loved about this book is how the art of letter writing was incorporated into the love story of the two main characters. IN that aspect this book was different then other books I have read. I was actually surprised that I enjoyed this book as I much as I did.
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Unbelievably amazing
I loved this book. I always love Nikki's books but have never read anything from Zachary before.
having been in the military it hits close to home. must read. -
This book started out great but fizzled out at the end. I still liked it.
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What a great book. The Things that Jake and Laura went through, and still find their way through the mess is incredible.
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5* Love letter stars
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What a great love story with a little bit of mystery, murder, and mayhem.
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This is the first book I've read by these authors and it was nice read. In the beginning of the story, we meet Jack, a Marine and the only ER doc near Fallujah, Iraq. He's been knee deep in the suck treating the wounded and dealing with the effects of the heat of battle and the desert. As he's treating the wounded, a patrol comes in and he realizes it’s the one he sent his corpsmen on. The Corpsmen has been mortally wounded and before he dies, he gets Jack to promise that he will deliver his wedding ring to his wife personally.
Back in the states, we meet Laura, the dead Corpsmen's wife. She's had a rough life until the Corpsman came along but now, he's dead. She keeps her self together the only way she knows and that is by keeping on. One day she receives a letter in the mail from Jack. It is unlike the formal, unfeeling cold letters issued by the military. This letter reaches inside her and after a good cry she feels better than she's felt in a long time. She decides to write back. This is their story.
